As part of our Review of 2025, we revisit the year’s most debated and discussed stories—those that sparked controversy and generated the highest number of comments.
President Donald Trump to add “exquisite” ballroom to White House
Many of this year’s most significant architecture and design headlines, as well as broader news topics, were shaped by US president Donald Trump. One particularly contentious announcement was his proposal to expand the White House with a grand ballroom.
The initial reveal of Trump’s ornate plan prompted more than 250 comments, as readers debated both the architectural value and the necessity of such an addition.
Since the announcement in July, Trump has moved forward with the proposal, leading to the controversial demolition of the White House’s East Wing.
Read more about Donald Trump’s ballroom plan ›
Architecture being killed by “woke take-over” says Patrik Schumacher
Another story that ignited controversy and drew over 250 comments came from Patrik Schumacher, principal of Zaha Hadid Architects, who argued that “woke virtue signalling” has undermined the intellectual rigor of the architectural profession.
Schumacher engaged in the ongoing culture wars within architecture by publishing a paper titled The End of Architecture in the Khōrein journal, produced by the Institute for Philosophy and Social Theory at the University of Belgrade.
“Architecture, as an autonomous, theory-led discipline, has ceased to exist,” he wrote. “The discipline has self-dissolved, eroding its intellectual and professional autonomy under the pressures of anti-capitalist politicisation and woke virtue signalling.”
Read more about Patrik Schumacher’s paper ›
Do people really prefer traditional architecture?
With President Trump promoting classical architecture in the United States, the debate between traditional and modernist styles resurfaced. This prompted us to ask: Do people truly prefer traditional architecture?
The article sparked lively discussion, attracting over 100 comments from readers weighing in on the issue.
Read more about people’s architectural preferences ›
“I’m teaching students not to follow Mies van der Rohe’s example”
University of Kentucky assistant professor Leen Katrib sparked discussion earlier this year by challenging the reputation of 20th-century architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, suggesting he should not serve as a model for students.
In an opinion piece, Katrib encouraged a re-evaluation of the modernist master, urging readers to consider the complex and problematic aspects of his most influential works.
Read more about Leen Katrib’s opinion ›
Architecture no longer considered a “professional degree” in USA
The status of loans for architecture students in the United States also became a contentious issue. Under Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, eligibility for borrowing will depend on whether a degree is officially designated as professional.
Architecture, along with fields like nursing and accounting, will no longer be recognized as a “professional degree.” This decision was met with criticism from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and generated significant debate in the comments.
“The American Institute of Architects strongly opposes any proposal or policy that fails to recognize architects as professionals, particularly when designating which degrees qualify for student loan caps,” stated the AIA.
Read more about the impact of the bill ›
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